Project Queen

by Teresa D. Patterson

  When she’d suggested that Shae further her education, she could see the light behind her eyes shine with renewed hope. Giving someone a chance was the Godly thing to do and Mrs. Watson was all about honoring Him. She felt truly blessed and was only too glad to become a blessing to someone else. It was her Christian duty, and she knew that it would be pleasing in the sight of God.

  Since being so busy, Shae didn’t have much time to dwell on the past. On occasion, she’d catch herself thinking about how life could have turned out if things had been different. At that point, none of the things she’d thought so important seemed to matter. She didn’t care about fancy cars, money, clothes, or jewelry. She wasn’t even concerned with her looks. She came to the realization that just as God had given her looks, He could also snatch them away.

  Her hair had almost grown to its regular length. She realized that she actually liked it better shorter. She found a hairstyle in Black Hair magazine that fit her and got it cut. With a bob, she looked professional and classy. After coming so close to death, she’d grown to appreciate the simple things life had to offer. She now knew how to, as Ma Violet used to say: take time out and smell the roses!

  She truly missed Larry and wanted to get in touch with him. The thought of being rejected again held her back. Loving Larry and not being able to have him caused a constant ache in her heart.

  She remembered the night he walked off when she told him about being raped. It had hurt her to the core of her being. Larry, her best friend, hadn’t been able to understand. He couldn’t deal with the idea of her having been with another man, even if it had been by force. She didn’t know how she’d do it, but she had to make a life for herself. It would be one filled with happiness because she deserved it. She’d have that life, even if it meant having it without Larry.

  She would work hard and eventually that hard work would pay off. She’d already received a raise. Her manager had informed her about GED certification offered at Pinellas Technical Education Center. She enrolled in their night classes and only had three more weeks left before she received her GED. Once she obtained that, she would try to get promoted to head teller. She might even consider furthering her education by going on to college. She’d purchased a computer and could even take online classes at St. Petersburg College. There were so many possibilities. She wouldn’t stop living because Larry didn’t want her. She’d find someone who could love her in spite of her flaws and imperfections. Even so, that didn’t stop her from missing him.

  “Shae, you’ve done a fine job all week,” Mrs. Watson told her. “You can pull your till and count it. Then, go on home.” She winked and leaned close enough for only Shae to hear. “We’ll pretend it’s five o’clock,” she whispered.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Watson.” Shae smiled her gratitude. She hadn’t expected that. Sure, Mrs. Watson was nice, but she never showed favoritism toward any of her employees. Shae felt lucky as she counted her register drawer. Meeting Mrs. Watson had been a blessing.

  “Don’t forget to pick up your check,” Charnell told her as she headed out. “You may need it.”

  “I sure do. Thanks for reminding me,” Shae told the other girl. Charnell was a sweet, quiet girl who rarely spoke unless spoken to.

  “Have a nice weekend,” Charnell called as she left.

  “You, too. Bye.”

  At home, she checked the mailbox. She expected magazines, bills and junk mail. It thrilled her to see a letter addressed from James Wallace on one of the envelopes. She opened it quickly and read what he had to say.

  Dear Shae,

  What’s up, girl? It’s like, hey! I’m sorry for the way we parted. I was under a lot of pressure. You know how it is.

  Anyway, how have things been going? What’s Toby up to and how are the twins? Have you seen Larry lately? Tell my nigga I said, “What up?”

  The Army is okay. I’ve finished basic training and am stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. Like I said, things are okay. The only thing I’m worried about is that I may get sent overseas to Iraq. I really don’t want to go there, and a lot of my buddies feel the same way. I think if I go overseas- I may never come back. It’s really strange, but I keep having these nightmares. It’s weird. I just don’t want to go to Iraq, I know that much.

  But, let me not burden you with all that.

  Well, as you know, I’m not much of a writer. If you answer my letter, I will continue to send a reply. I’m really going to need a lot of support, especially if I have to go over there. Don’t think of me as a coward. I know what I got myself into when I enlisted. To die for oil- I’m not sure it’s worth it. But, I’ll fight for my country until the end.

  Well, I’ll close this letter but not my love. (Nigga always wanted to say that.) Ha! Ha!

  See ya!

  Sincerely yours,

  James L. Wallace

  PS: Send me some pictures. I’m sick of looking at all these dried up ass hoes here in Cali!

  Shae finished reading the letter and laughed aloud. Hearing from Larry made her feel good inside. It impressed her that he wanted a better way of life. He was finally growing up. The Army would help to mold him. She understood his apprehension about going to Iraq. Anyone would feel the same way.

  She sat down and wrote him back. She included a condensed version of what had happened to Ma Violet, the twins, and her close call with death. She dug out some pictures that she’d taken in the clubs she used to frequent. She put those inside the envelope with the letter, sealed it then walked to the mailbox located a block away.

  “Hi Shae!” She glanced up after putting the letter in the mailbox and saw her co-worker, Charnell. Shae waved at her then froze. The car that Charnell sat in looked familiar. She walked up to the passenger’s side.

  “Charnell, this is a bad ride,” she said casually. “Who do it belong to?”

  “It’s y new friend’s car. He’s so sweet.” Charnell blushed and giggled.

  “Oh, really? What’s his name?”

  “Dana.” Shae stepped back as if she’d been slapped. She’d had a suspicion that the car belonged to him but had hoped she was wrong.

  “What’s the matter?” the naïve, young girl looked closely at Shae.

  “I have to tell you something, and I hope you don’t take it the wrong way.” She hurried to relay the story of what Dana had done to her. Once she finished, Charnell sat back in shock. “Get away from him as soon as you can. He is trouble, and he’s ruthless,” Shae warned. “The last thing I’d want is to see you hurt, Charnell. You’re such a sweet person.”

  “I’m sorry you went through all that, Shae. I had no idea that Dana was that kind of person. I just met him,” she said. “I will definitely take your advice to heart. I don’t need that type of drama in my life. I have two kids, and I can’t risk them seeing their mama being abused.”

  “No one deserves that,” Shae agreed.

  Charnell glanced around nervously. “I guess you should hurry up and leave before he comes back. I don’t want him to see us talking. Thank you so much for telling me.”

  “Take care.”

  “You, too.”

  “See you at work.”

  “See you.”

  On the way back to the apartment, scenes of what Dana had done to her kept resurfacing. Shae couldn’t believe that he’d gotten out of jail already. He’d almost killed her, and he now walked free. That wasn’t right.

  “Hello.” Shae jumped at the sound of a male’s voice.

  “Oh, hello.” She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw David.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you,” he apologized. “I’ve got some bad news, but don’t get alarmed,” he rushed on to say.

  “What? Is it my brother?” Fear leapt in her throat.

  “No. He’s fine, as far as I know,” David assured her. “The problem is, someone tried to break into your apartment. I came to put up the ceiling fans and caught him before he could get in.”

  “Damn!”

  “If y
ou need anything or you feel unsafe, I can stay with you,” he offered. “We can call my dad or the cops,” David offered.

  “That’s alright. My brother will be here soon. Thanks for offering.”

  “No problem. You take care.”

  “Thanks.”

  Shae hurried upstairs and unlocked the door. Once inside, she checked all the windows. Still, she didn’t feel safe. She kept thinking about Dana. Knowing that he’d been released from jail made her nervous and scared. If they met up again, he’d finish what he’d started. She felt positive about that. He really hated her because she reminded him of his mother. His warped mind had him convinced that Shae deserved the same fate as his mama.

  She paced the floor and prayed that Toby would get there soon. The shrill ringing of the phone in the quietness of the apartment made her jump.

  “H- hello?” she answered.

  “Shae?” The voice sounded hesitant.

  “Yes?”

  “Uh…this is Larry.” He paused. “So, how have you been?”

  “I’ve been okay. How about you?” Again, there was a long moment of silence. Then he blurted out the truth.

  “I’ve been going through pure hell! Spending these last few months without you has been crucial. I was a damn fool. Shae, can you ever forgive me for the way I acted?” he asked. The conversation brought up past hurts that Shae thought she’d buried. She took a deep breath.

  “I forgive you, but I want you to know that you really hurt me bad, Larry. I needed for you to understand. You didn’t.”

  “I know. I know. I’ve been an asshole! I thought about it all over and over. I should have handled it in a different way. Can we give it another try? I miss you like crazy.”

  “I miss you, too. We need to sit down and discuss it face-toface. But…Larry, I have to tell you something.”

  “What is it?” he asked quickly, hearing the alarm in her voice.

  “He’s out. Dana. He’s out of jail – and I’m scared,” she almost whispered.

  “You don’t have to be scared. If Dana ever fucks with you, he’s as good as dead! That’s a promise,” he said, and she believed him.

  “Someone tried to break into the apartment today,” she went on hurriedly. “I thought maybe it was him or one of his people. Maybe he found out where I live and-”

  “Shae, calm down. Is Toby there?”

  “No.”

  “You’re alone?” he exploded.

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t worry about nothing. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. No, make that ten. Don’t answer the door for no reason until I get there, you hear?” he instructed.

  “Okay. Bye.” She hung up, feeling relieved. Larry would be there shortly. She knew she could count on him.

  True to his word, Larry got there in ten minutes flat. Shae peered through the eyehole. Seeing him, she opened the door and rushed into his arms.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” she exclaimed.

  “You don’t have to worry now.” He took her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, Shae. I always will.”

  “I love you, too, Larry,” she answered and turned her willing lips up to meet his.

  “Cut out that mushy stuff.” Toby’s voice startled them and they broke apart.

  “Toby,” Shae exclaimed. “Don’t be scaring people like that!”

  “What’s up?” he asked, hearing the fear in her voice. He came in and closed the door. He carried a bag from Big Tim’s Barbeque that he sat on the kitchen table. When Shae told him about the earlier incident, he frowned. When she mentioned that Dana had got out of jail, his face reflected pure hatred.

  “Shit! We have a fucked up judicial system!” he cursed. “What are we supposed to do, just hide out like some scared ass wimps? Hell nah! I ain’t with that! Dana don’t scare me. I’ll fuck that nigga up, if I have to,” he said. He pushed away from the table angrily and left the room.

  In his bedroom, he got down on his knees and looked under the bed. He pulled the shoebox out and lifted the lid. He got the gun and placed it in the pocket of his jacket. When he came from his room, he appeared calm.

  “I’ll be back,” he told Shae. “Look after my sister,” he said to Larry in a strange voice. Larry nodded. He picked up on the glint in Toby’s eyes. It was a look that should put fear in someone’s heart.

  “What are you going to do Toby? Maybe you should just stay-” Shae began.

  “Don’t worry,” he interrupted. “I’m going to do what I have to.” He went to the door, paused, and turned around. He stared at them both then walked out.

  Shae sat down on the couch because her legs almost gave out.

  “Are you okay?” Larry asked.

  “I’m alright. It’s just that, I wonder why all of this is happening. All I want is to be able to live my life. That’s all.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Shae. Dana knows the consequences he’ll face if he harasses you or anybody in your family. I’m sure he don’t want to go to prison.”

  “I don’t think he cares about that. When will it end?” she questioned. “I just want it all to stop.”

  “Don’t upset yourself.” He sat down and put his arms around her. “Forget about it for now. Let’s concentrate on each other.” He leaned in and kissed her. “Just relax and let me love you.”

  He trailed gentle kisses down her neck. He unbuttoned her blouse and touched her breasts. She trembled. “It’s okay,” he whispered. “It’s me.” He finished undressing her and kissed every inch of her body. Soon, she forgot everything around her except him and his delicious touch. Passion overcame her. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he entered her.

  “I’ve missed you, baby,” he groaned as they became one.

  The horrible visions of Dana raping her were washed away. All she could feel was Larry inside her and Larry loving her. It had taken him to mend her heart and to heal her soul. He was the missing piece of her puzzle. Now she felt complete.

  Afterwards they lay entwined on the couch. She felt happier than she had in a long time. She rested her head against his strong shoulder. Maybe there could be a happily ever after for her.

  “You’re mine, Shae, and I won’t let anyone ever hurt you. I promise,” Larry told her. Their lips met. “I’m a part of your life, and I’ll never leave you again. Do you believe me?”

  “Yes.” She gently touched his cheek. He meant the world to her. “Let’s go to my room,” Shae suggested, straightening her clothes. “Toby might walk in on us.” The two got up. As they headed for the bedroom, loud gunshots interrupted the stillness of the night. An agonizing scream rang out.

  “Oh God! Toby!” Without thinking, Shae ran to the door and snatched it open. Larry’s first instinct was to follow her, but he had to catch Dana off guard. He quickly slipped into the bedroom. He grabbed the revolver he’d brought with him. He would wait for the right moment. He knew that Dana would show up because he knew how a twisted mind operated. Dana was obsessed with Shae. If he couldn’t have her, then he wouldn’t let anybody else have her either.

  Larry was prepared for the event and Dana would feel his wrath. Shae had belonged to him first, and if Dana hadn’t forced himself on her, she would have belonged to him only.

  The thought of Dana violating his woman made his blood run cold. One of them would leave the apartment standing and one would leave in a body bag. He was certain of that.

  He heard Dana’s voice and had to restrain himself from rushing out the bedroom blasting. He had to be patient and wait. Shae’s life was at stake and he’d be damned if he was going to lose her.

  “Just the person I want to see.” Dana stood in the doorway with a gun aimed at Shae. He smiled, showing his sparkling, gold-plated grill.

  “What happened to my brother?” she demanded to know.

  “Don’t worry ‘bout it, bitch!” he snarled. “The fucking snitch got what he deserved. He got away this time, but he won’t be so lucky the next time.” He pushed pa
st her and entered the apartment. Two other men followed him. They were dressed in all black and wore hooded sweatshirts. Shae recognized one of them as Sly, the neighborhood snitch.

  “What the fuck you starin’ at?” he snapped, glaring at her through bloodshot eyes. She remembered that he’d been the one to tell Dana about her and Larry. Shae wanted to claw his eyes out but held back.

  “You and me got a score to settle,” Dana growled. “I should have stopped ya ass when I had the chance, but I actually cared about you.”

  “That’s a lie! All you care about is yourself.”

  “Bitch, you sellin’ out to the wrong nigga!” The guy she didn’t know warned. “Dana, I’ll be glad to pistol whip this bitch for you. Just say the word!” He glared at her with his lips curled, waiting for instructions.

  “That’s okay. I can handle her. Y’all two go try to find that coward,” Dana ordered. “This time, shut him up for good. Bury his weak ass. I’ll be damned if I go back to jail for any nigga!” he snarled. “I got some business to take care of.” His eyes swept over Shae’s body suggestively. The two guys smirked, nodded at him and left.

  Dana locked the door then turned to Shae. “I think it’s time we got reacquainted. I missed you, in a way.” He grabbed her by the shoulder in a painful grip. “You know what to do.”

  Shae felt the hatred pulse through her blood. She pursed her lips and spat directly into his vile face. She remembered Larry and his promise. She trusted that he’d do what he said he would.